Building plan approval goes online, 1.80 lakh owners to benefit

According to a government order (GO) dated August 21, plot owners can soon prepare building plans with the help of registered engineers and verify whether it coincides with the building rules using automated software. The GO has been issued based on Model Building By-laws, 2016.

“To reduce the time taken to issue planning approvals for residential buildings not exceeding 1,200 sqft on approved plots not exceeding 2,500 sqft, the concerned local bodies should issue building approvals and planning permissions without site visits and through online,” stated the GO.

To prevent violations, which might occur owing to the lack of site visits, the GO has also included clauses to hold the concerned engineers responsible for violations. If the authorities found out any deviation or violation, the government would revoke the registration of the engineers and they would face criminal action.

Meanwhile, Municipal Administration and Water Supply minister SP Velumani said that the owners of 1,82,957 approved plots in 22,281 layouts would benefit by the move. “But, planning permissions will not be issued for plots fall under prohibited or restricted areas and the land earmarked for acquisition. Based on the new process, the local authority will ascertain whether the provisions for rainwater harvesting are made before approving the planning permission,” the minister added.

Even though the approvals would be issued online, Velumani clarified that the local body officials are responsible for periodic inspection of violations. “Under the new process, plot owners will not have to meet officials, except registered engineers. People can avail all the services pertaining to city corporations and municipalities using https://tnurbanepay.tn.gov.in portal,” he said.